“We were there for about three weeks,” Nan says, “and it was just a huge life-changing experience. If it wasn’t for them, it could have been the worst-case scenario.”

Nan and his family were deeply moved by their experience and the generosity of the doctors and nurses at the NICU.

“So, I kind of did a gut check, and all we wanted to do was give back and help other people. When it came time to think about where we would donate money, I thought of Connecticut Children’s, where we still regularly go for my son.”

A Cause Worth Pursuing

Nan, a sales manager at Alfano Nissan in Torrington engaged the dealership’s general manager and the owner, who were both eager to support Connecticut Children’s, and together they determined that for every car sold between now and the end of 2017, Alfano Nissan will donate $25 to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

The dealership is only a few months old, but they felt this cause was worth pursuing.

(L-R) Kit and Michelle (parents), Augusto and Maria Silva (grandparents), Melissa and Joe Silva (aunt and uncle) as they celebrate Mother’s Day 2016.

“Life goes so fast with work, especially in our line of business,” Nan says, “and you’re often working late and coming in 7 days a week sometimes just to hit that next sales level. But when something like this happens to your child, that’s when you realize work is not always the most important thing. Being on time, worrying about how your shoes and tie look, all these things we worry about on a daily basis go out the door when you go through something like this. That’s one of the big, big reasons why I think it’s great to show appreciation for all the people in the medical field.”

Children a Top Priority

The Alfano campaign runs through the end of 2017 and applies to all cars sold through Dec. 31 at the dealership. “There are certain things you can donate to and be a part of that are cool,” Nan says, “and certain things you can donate to that I feel are kind of mandatory if you’re in a position to help others. And children should take a priority.”

As for Kye, he just turned 20 months and is doing very well. Kye loves singing his “ABC’s and dancing with mommy. “We still go to Connecticut Children’s and do our updates,” Nan says. “They are all just amazing people over there.”

QTHON is a yearlong fundraising enterprise led by Quinnipiac University students, which culminates in a 10-hour dance marathon to raise funds and awareness in support of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Over the past six events, QTHON has raised $454,348.60 towards Connecticut Children’s and its state-of-the-art patient care. QTHON strives to bring together the student body and the local community to raise funds in support of valuable care that patients and their families receive at Connecticut Children’s.

In 2017, over 1,500 dancers raised more than $218,000, an 88-percent increase from the prior year; this year’s goal is to raise $250,000.

In addition to the Quinnipiac students, patient families from Connecticut Children’s will attend the event and will dance the night away. They are matched with student groups and are able to dance, play games, participate in arts and crafts, and much more.

Rockville High students will dance the night away, raising money for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center! This private dance marathon is open to Rockville High School students, grade 8 – 12. There will be music, dancing, games, contests, face painting, raffle baskets and food to purchase.

Advanced Care in Your Backyard

Top neurosurgeons use the most advanced techniques and technologies to provide diagnoses and therapy. Whenever possible, Connecticut Children’s pediatric neurosurgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques such as neuro-endoscopy to treat neonatal patients, infants, children and teens including:

Pancakes for a Purpose

Join IHOP restaurants throughout Connecticut as they celebrate the 13th annual National Pancake Day! Guests will enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes and in return, IHOP will be collecting donations in support of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Miracle Balloon Month at IHOP

Beginning February 1, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals icon balloons begin landing in IHOP locations across the United States and Canada. Through February 27, National Pancake Day, eight Connecticut IHOPs will be collecting donations for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Guests visiting participating IHOP locations can purchase a paper “Miracle Balloon” for $1 or $5 to publicly pledge support. Select IHOP restaurants will also be offering a discount coupon that can be used on a future visit with the purchase of a $5 Miracle Balloon wall icon.

All the money raised by IHOP for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals stays local and goes directly to providing life-saving medical treatment for children in need.

Take part in the 1st Annual Mother of Markets and its family-friendly activities all day!

The Mother of Markets is a market for all and is focused on the amazing hand crafted artisans of Connecticut. Please join us on Saturday, May 5, 2018 (rain date Sunday, May 6, 2018) at the beautiful Elm Ridge Park in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. This is bound to be an event you will not want to miss!

There will be over 50 local artisans joining us, including potters, artists, woodworkers, jewelry makers, bag and clothing designers, vintage decoration and upcycle and repurposed goods. Support local farmer’s favorites with homemade jams, artisan cheeses, hot sauces, baked goods, plants … and so much more! There will be a variety of delicious food trucks, live music, face painters and additional entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

The Mother of Markets will also be hosting a raffle of epic proportions in support of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.